A FACTORY which provides work for disabled people in Torfaen will close just five days before Christmas.

The council-owned Monwel Torfaen sheltered workshop in New Inn, which employs people with moderate levels of disability or learning difficulties to carry out light manufacturing, will close its doors on December 20.

A number of reasons for the closure have been put forward, including the fact that Monwel had become an increasing burden on council coffers as customers pressed for the prices they paid to be lowered.

The council says people who will no longer work there will be able to take advantage of a new support network to help them keep in touch with each other and will, where necessary, receive assistance in finding alternative employment opportunities.

Recently the council announced 25 of the 34 workers employed there have been offered alternative work placements.

The placements include jobs within the council and a range of companies in Torfaen.

New work placements are also expected to be forthcoming following the establishment of a new employment scheme funded by the Employment Service 'Work Step' scheme.

But the mother of one of the workers has said shutting the factory is a "crying shame" and claimed her 53- year-old son has not been offered any alternative work or training.

Nancy Hampton, 79, of Tenison Road, Trevethin said: "My son will be out of work. He is very cut up about it. He hasn't lost his job. They took his job off him. I think he will find it difficult getting another job."

Mrs Hampton said she and her son were angry about what has happened and claims more could have been done by the council to get more orders so the factory could remain open.

She said: "At one time there were 70 people working there and they had a variety of orders from different places. There were lots of factories giving them orders. They should have found orders to keep the factory going."

Gary Birch, Torfaen's director of social services, said: "The council is delighted that well over half the employees at Monwel have been offered alternative work.

"We are continuing to work hard to find further employment opportunities and to ensure the necessary support structures are in place into the new year."

* In the picture: Nancy Hampton comforts her son Derek who will be out of work five days before Christmas